(Mrs. Popov comes in with downcast eyes.)
Mrs. Popov. Sir, in my solitude I have become unaccustomed to the human voice and I cannot stand the sound of loud talking. I beg you, please to cease disturbing my rest.
Smirnov. Pay me my money and I'll leave.
Mrs. Popov. I told you once, plainly, in your native tongue, that I haven't the money at hand; wait until day after to-morrow.
Smirnov. And I also had the honor of informing you in your native tongue that I need the money, not day after to-morrow, but to-day. If you don't pay me to-day I shall have to hang myself to-morrow.
Mrs. Popov. But what can I do if I haven't the money?
Smirnov. So you are not going to pay immediately? You're not?
Mrs. Popov. I cannot.
Smirnov. Then I'll sit here until I get the money. (He sits down) You will pay day after to-morrow? Excellent! Here I stay until day after to-morrow. (Jumps up) I ask you, do I have to pay that interest to-morrow or not? Or do you think I'm joking?
Mrs. Popov. Sir, I beg of you, don't scream!
Smirnov. I'm not talking about stables, I'm asking you whether I have to pay that interest to-morrow or not?
Mrs. Popov. You have no idea how to treat a lady.
Mrs. Popov. No, you have not. You are an ill-bred, vulgar person! Respectable people don't speak so to ladies.
Smirnov. Oh, yes, I have.
Smirnov. How remarkable! How do you want
